Artificial intelligence has become a sought-after skill in today’s workforce. This session focuses on ways homeschool parents can prepare their teens by incorporating AI into high school learning while maintaining academic integrity, critical thinking, and strong ethics. We’ll discuss how colleges and employers are using AI, what skills businesses look for in new recruits, and how to teach teens to use AI as a tool—not a shortcut. Parents will leave with strategies for modeling responsible use, setting clear boundaries, and helping teens develop real-world skills with confidence and character.

Jessica Frierson is a homeschool graduate from western North Carolina. She and her husband, Ernie, homeschool their ten children, with seven graduates and three remaining. Jessica is a writer, graphic designer, and graphic design instructor. She has served on the NCHE board since 2014, supporting homeschooling families and advocating for home education. Jessica’s journey as both a student and teacher have provided a unique perspective on the value of homeschooling in fostering creativity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Preparing Teens for the Future: Ethical AI in the Homeschool